U.S. Department of Agriculture: Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program

The primary objective of the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by assisting non-profit corporations or higher education institutions in the startup, expansion, or operational improvement of rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses through cooperative development. Grant and matching funds can be used for developing and operating a Rural Cooperative Development Center. Examples of technical and other services that the Centers can provide:

• Conducting feasibility studies
• Developing business plans
• Providing leadership and operational improvement training
• Facilitating strategic planning

All project activities must be for the benefit of a rural area.

Amount: The amount available is not yet determined. The grant notice is being issued prior to enactment of a full year appropriation act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 in order to provide enough time for applicants to respond. The maximum grant award is $200,000.

Eligibility: Nonprofit corporations or institutions of higher education.

Link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program

Note: Paper applications may be postmarked by June 2, 2017. Electronic applications must be submitted by May 26, 2017.

This post was filed under: